It was growing to be late at night and the Tremaines had finally gone to sleep, much to Ella's delight. It was the first time she could remember actually enjoying the horrible sound of Drisella's snoring.
She put on her fawn brown cloak, grabbed a lantern, and when she was sure everyone in the household was fast asleep, she snuck out the back door. As she walked down the dirt road, she was thankful that it was not a terribly long walk down to the town. It was dark out, but the sky was well lit with a beautiful scape of stars.
Once she got into the town, she noted that it was fairly empty, as most of the shops were closed, except for a few quiet pubs. When Ella approached the bakery, she saw that it too was closed and she began to worry that Greyson had forgotten about their arrangement. Then she noted that there was indeed some light in the shop and so she approached the door. Her hand reached out to softly rap-tap-tap on the surface. The door was opened, and there stood the baker. He had not forgotten.
Ella noticed that while he appeared the same as he was from earlier that day, there were some subtle differences. For example, all of the flour that once covered his body was now cleaned off. His hair even looked as though he had brushed it, though it was not totally free of a messy appearance. What was most noticeable about him, however, was the smile on his face when he saw Ella on the other side of the door.
"Miss Ella!" He exclaimed, delighted to see his new friend once again. In the back of his mind, he had worried that she would not return to the bakery. He stepped aside to let her in. He walked over to a nearby table and held out a chair for her. "I'm so glad you're here. I've been looking forward to your visit all day." He admitted bashfully.
Ella gracefully sat down in the chair, appreciating the gentlemanly gesture. "I was as well, Mr. Fitz!" She replied cheerfully. "I was thinking about that strawberry pie of yours all day."
The baker felt his face turn pink at her words. "Miss Ella," he said earnestly, "you do not have to address me so proper. I hope you would speak to me as a friend. Please call me Greyson."
"Alright then, Greyson." Ella laughed warmly. Deep in her mind, she could not help but notice how pleasant the name sounded rolling off her tongue. Greyson retreated to the kitchen and emerged with the event of the night, a beautiful strawberry pie. He set two plates and forks on the table and dished them each a slice of pie. He then sat down across from his guest and watched with great anticipation as Ella delicately put a forkful of pie in her mouth. He watched as she closed her eyes, taking in the flavor. Her face glowed as a soft hum escaped her. She opened her eyes and giggled when she saw how eager he was to gage her reaction.
"Greyson Fitz," she said in a matter of fact tone, "I can say with great certainty that this pie is the finest strawberry pie I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying."
He grinned wide with joy at her positive review. He couldn't place a reason, but he felt as if he cared very deeply about her opinion. "Thank you very much, Miss Ella." He said genuinely.
"Ella." The guest stated.
"Pardon?" He asked quizzically.
"If I am to address you as a friend, I only request that you do the same for me." Ella specified. She was flattered that someone took so much care when speaking to her, but she felt as though an informal title would be best for both of them.
"Yes. I can do that, Ella." Greyson affirmed. Ella smiled. Her name never sounded so well spoken. She mentally stopped herself. Why was she allowing these sorts of fluffy thoughts? Greyson was merely a friend. The two hardly knew each other! Ella decided it would be best to change that before their friendship deepened any further. She rested her chin upon her hands.
"So, Greyson. I do believe I am here not only to enjoy an exceptional pie, but to chat as well. Tell me about yourself." She asked.
Greyson raised his eyebrows. "Well," he started. "This is my family's store. I began baking at age five with my father. He taught me everything I know. My mother worked here as well, managing customers and designing displays." He remembered fondly with a lost look on his face.
"Oh, how lovely!" Said Ella. "Could I possibly meet then here one day?"
Greyson's brown eyes flitted down to his hands. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid not." He stated softly. "When I was sixteen, both of my parents went away overseas to attend a wedding. I stayed behind to keep care of the bakery. There was a terrible storm and..." His voice faded. Ella felt her heart fall. She reached out gingerly to place her hand on his on the table. She knew all too well what loss was, and was terribly upset that Greyson held a similar tragedy to her own.
"I'm terribly sorry for asking," she apologized in a hushed tone. "I too have lost both my parents. I would not wish the feeling upon my worst enemy, and especially not my newest friend."
Greyson's heart warmed at her touch. Ella was so caring towards him. He believed her to be the kindest person he had ever met. "I suppose misery loves company." He replied with half of a smile. "I'm sorry about our similar backgrounds." He was happy to see Ella calmly smile at that. "Once they had passed, the shop became fully my responsibility," He continued. "I very much love what I do, though it is not a glamorous profession. I treasure the look I see in each customer's eyes as they bite into a fresh roll or the delight of the children when they visit me to see the cakes I have frosted." He smiled warmly, thinking of all the little button noses he often sees up against the glass of the display cases, The eager eyes of the town children watching him with great precision as he frosts a cake in front of them. "What about you?" He asked. "What's your story?"
Ella pondered how much she should tell him. Her story wasn't particularly enchanting, and she did not want to depress her new friend. "Well," she started, "my mother died of an illness when I was very young and my father passed a while ago when he was out traveling in France. Since then, I have been living with my stepmother and two stepsisters."
"That must be nice, having other people to keep you company." Greyson said, regretting his words when he saw Ella's face dampen.
"Not quite, I'm afraid." Ella frowned. "They aren't the greatest of people, I mean, they aren't terribly kind. They treat me as though I am the workstaff, leaving me all of the cooking and cleaning and housework to do by myself. They have me sleeping in the attic and I seldom have time for enjoyment." She tried to make her miserable life sound simplified, not wanting to dig deeper into the mistreatment.
Greyson felt his heart sag at her words. It pained him that someone so wonderful could live such a terrible life. Of all people, Ella did not deserve such treatment! He felt himself even getting a bit angry, but he calmed himself for her sake. He switched their hand position so that his was on top. He took her petite hand into his and looked her in the eye. "Listen to me, Ella." He whispered, "If you ever, EVER, need to get away from them, you are more than welcome here. I will always let you in, anytime. Just say the word." He said with great sincerity.
Ella felt her heart swell at his words. She decided that she was blessed to have come across such a kind-hearted friend. "Thank you." She whispered back to him. Greyson smiled gently.
"Now," he said, "I have a very deep and difficult question for you." He stressed.
Ella stood up straight in her chair, her hands now properly folded in her lap. "Yes?" She was ready to answer.
"What," Greyson asked slowly and firmly, "is your favorite color?"
Ella burst out laughing. "Blue!" She grinned. "It's blue."
The two talked for what felt like an endless time that lasted merely minutes to them. It got to be truly late in the night. Greyson glanced at the window and was excited to see that there was a small street band carelessly playing outside by the local pub. "Music!" He exclaimed as he rushed over to open the window. "I just love music!" He gushed. Ella smiled at his childlike joy. The simple but pleasurable music entered the bakery. It was a steady waltz. "Do you know how to waltz, Ella?" Greyson asked absentmindedly as he closed his eyes to absorb the rhythm.
Ella smiled softly. "I know a little bit."
Greyson felt an idea creep into his head. He walked over to where Ella remained seated at the table. He held out his hand down to her. "May I have this dance, miss?" He asked quietly.
Ella felt herself blush a little bit. "Yes." She accepted his offer. She took his hand and stood up to meet him.
The two stood together in the light of the window, the moon acted as their lantern. "May I?" Greyson gestured. Ella nodded. Greyson took her hand in his and put the other gingerly upon her waist. Her hand went up to reach his shoulder. Both could not help but notice how close they were for two friends who had just met but weeks ago.
Greyson led the pair into a loose and steady waltz, with informal steps that danced in time to the band. They felt themselves gradually becoming lost in the dance, swaying to and fro across the floor of the bakery, their faces held a quiet joy. Ella decided that this was by far the best night she had in a long while. She was overdue for some genuine happiness. Greyson closed his eyes and the music led him, he was in utter bliss. The two were in such a dizzy, happy, trance that they did not notice their bodies growing closer together until they had at last broken free from the standard waltz position and into something a bit more intimate. They stayed that way for a moment more, completely unaware.
When the music slowly died the two opened their eyes to suddenly observe their close proximity. Greyson chin was all but touching Ella's head. Her arm had wrapped fully around his neck and his fully around her waist and the pair of hands that was intertwined now rested between their chests.
The two awkwardly untangled, their cheeks blushing a bright red. Greyson scratched the back of his neck and tried to look anywhere but at the beautiful woman he had just danced with. "So um..." He mumbled clueless of what to say.
Ella looked up at the baker, smiling at his flustered appearance and trying ever so hard to ignore the rapid beating of her own heart. She knew it was very late and that she had to leave. She gracefully put her cloak back on and retrieved her lantern, prepared for the walk home.
"Goodbye, Greyson. Thank you for the delicious pie and for a most wonderful night." She dismissed herself, trying her best to hide the unhappiness she held from having to leave. As she walked away, she turned to the baker and quickly reached up on her tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. She then stepped quietly out of the bakery, not looking back to see the melted, happy look on Greyson's face.